Tickets and volunteers main concern for Winter Games organizers

The organizing committee for the 2014 Saskatchewan Winter Games has announced that tickets for all events are now on sale.

The competition starts on Feb. 16 with the opening ceremonies at the Art Hauser Centre and the organizers say they’re excited to see the athletes compete.

“These are some of Saskatchewan’s best young athletes,” organizing committee member Doug Dahl says. “You never know who you might be watching (now) who might be in the Olympics in four or eight years.”

Dahl says they expect to have between 800 and 900 out-of-town athletes and coaches in Prince Albert for the competition. That number will swell to more than 1,000 when local competitors are considered. Dahl also says they’re expecting as many as 5,000 spectators.

“We do expect we’ll have a really good turnout,” he says.

The committee sells passes for the events instead of individual tickets. Spectators can purchase a day pass, which gives them access to any event going on that day, or half-week passes, which give similar benefits, but for only part of the week.

For most events there is no limit to the number of people who can attend, as long as there’s space for everyone.

“The opening and closing ceremonies are the only event with a limit, because it’s held in the Art Hauser Centre,” Dahl says. “Otherwise, you will be able to buy passes for any event during the day.”

However, the committee still has some hurdles to overcome, namely a shortage of volunteers.

“We have over 600 signed up, but we need more than 1,000 to ensure the games are safe and fun for everyone,” Dahl says.

However, the committee isn’t panicking, even though the opening ceremonies are so close.

“The community has a great history of volunteering,” he says. “We’re confident the city will come through.”